User account menu

Social links

You are here:

IUD (Intrauterine device)

An IUD is a small plastic and copper device that’s put into your uterus (womb). It has one or two thin threads on the end that hang through your cervix (the entrance to the uterus) into the top of your vagina.

An IUD works for contraception for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type. If you’re aged 40 or older when the IUD is fitted, it will work for contraception until after the menopause, when contraception isn’t needed.

An IUD is sometimes called a ‘coil’ or ‘copper coil’. There are different types and sizes.

Most people with a uterus can use an IUD, including those who’ve never been pregnant, young people, and people who are HIV positive.

Your doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your medical history to check if the IUD is suitable for you. Do mention any illnesses or operations you’ve had as you may require specialist care when the IUD is fitted.

Some conditions which may mean you shouldn’t use an IUD are that you:

think you might already be pregnant

have an untreated sexually transmitted infection or pelvic infection

have problems with your uterus or cervix

have unexplained bleeding from your vagina (for example, between periods or after sex).

There’s a small chance of you getting an infection during the first 20 days after an IUD is put in. You may be advised to have a check for sexually transmitted infections before an IUD is fitted or at the time it’s fitted.

The IUD can be pushed out (expulsion) by your uterus (womb) or it can move (displacement). This isn’t common. It’s more likely to happen soon after the IUD’s been put in and you may not know it’s happened. Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check the threads so you know the IUD is in place.

It isn’t common, but there’s a very small risk that the IUD might go through (perforate) your uterus or cervix when it’s put in. The risk is higher if you’ve recently given birth or are breastfeeding. This may cause pain but often there are no symptoms and the uterus or cervix will heal by itself. The risk of perforation is low when an IUD is fitted by an experienced doctor or nurse. If it does happen, the IUD may have to be removed by surgery.

You’re unlikely to get pregnant while using an IUD but if you do, there’s a risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. You’re less likely to have an ectopic pregnancy while you’re using an IUD than when you’re not using any contraception.

Are tampons safe if I have an IUD?

Take care not to pull on the IUD threads when you’re removing tampons or a menstrual cup.

What if I think I'm pregnant?

The IUD is highly effective contraception and it’s unlikely you’ll get pregnant.

If you do get pregnant there’s a small increased risk it will be an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus (womb), usually in a fallopian tube. If you think you might be pregnant and/or you have a sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen, seek medical advice as soon as possible. This might be the warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant, speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. If you want to continue the pregnancy, they will talk to you about removing the IUD. If it’s early in the pregnancy it’s usually recommended to remove it as soon as possible. The doctor or nurse will discuss the benefits and risks with you.

What if I want to stop using the IUD or try to get pregnant?

If you want to stop using the IUD, go back to the doctor or nurse and ask for it to be taken out.

Your periods and fertility will return to normal as soon as the IUD is removed. If you don’t want to get pregnant you need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, or avoid sex for seven days before the IUD is taken out. You’ll also need to use another method of contraception from the day the IUD is removed.

If you want to try for a baby, start pre-pregnancy care such as taking folic acid and stopping smoking. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice.

How's an IUD put in?

A doctor or nurse will examine you internally to find the position and size of your uterus before they put in an IUD.

Sometimes they’ll check for any existing infections. This can be done before or at the time of fitting the IUD. Sometimes you may be given antibiotics at the same time the IUD is fitted.

Your appointment will last around 20–30 minutes. Inserting the IUD usually takes around 5 minutes. It can be uncomfortable or painful for some people and you may be offered a local anaesthetic. Your doctor or nurse should talk to you about this beforehand.

You may get a period-type pain and some light bleeding for a few days after the IUD is fitted. Pain-relieving drugs can help with this.

What if I feel unwell after the IUD is put in?

If you feel unwell and have pain in your lower abdomen, with a high temperature or a smelly discharge from your vagina, see a doctor or go back to the clinic where the IUD was fitted as soon as possible. You may have an infection.

How will I know that the IUD's in place?

An IUD has one or two threads attached to the end that hang a little way down from your uterus (womb) into the top of your vagina.

The doctor or nurse will teach you how to feel the threads to make sure the IUD is still in place. You should do this a few times in the first month and at regular intervals, for example after your period.

It’s very unlikely that an IUD will come out, but if you can’t feel the threads, or if you think you can feel the IUD itself, you may not be protected from pregnancy. If this happens, see your doctor or nurse straight away and use an extra contraceptive method, such as condoms or internal condoms.

Rarely, a partner may say they can feel the threads during sex. If this happens, ask your doctor or nurse to check the threads.

How's an IUD taken out?

A trained doctor or nurse can take the IUD out at any time by pulling gently on the threads.

If you want to carry on using an IUD, the doctor or nurse can put in a new one at the same time. You’ll continue to be protected from pregnancy.

How often do I need to see a doctor or nurse?

You should have your IUD checked 3–6 weeks after it’s put in.

An IUD works for contraception for 5 or 10 years depending on the type. If it’s fitted when you’re 40 or over, it works for contraception until after the menopause when contraception isn’t needed. Contact your doctor or nurse if you have any problems, questions or want the IUD removed.

Resource(s)

This website can only give you general information. Our IUD information is based on evidence-guided research from The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the World Health Organization.

All methods of contraception come with a Patient Information Leaflet which provides detailed information about the method.

Contact your doctor, practice nurse or a contraception clinic if you're worried or unsure about anything.